"The Fannie" Chris Cercone

“The Fannie”Fan cleaning wand vacuum attachment

Idea Generation

Problem: Ceiling fan blades get dirty, since most of the dirt and dust are concentrated on the top of the blades where it is hard to see, we tend to put off dusting these areas. There are currently products on the market to help with this problem however, they are typically very rickety, hard to maneuver, and the dust will usually fall in your face.

Idea Screening

Why did I think of this idea? One day while performing my husbandly duty of dusting the living room where we have three ceiling fans I figured it was time for the semi-annual fan cleaning. While standing on a chair with a broomstick fan cleaning wand in hand I proceeded to clean the blade, I was instantly peppered in the face with a herd of dust bunnies. After some cursing, and wiping my eyes, I thought “this wand sucks”. By George I’ve got it! Can’t someone make a fan cleaning wand that extends, and attaches to your shop-vac? And well made too. After some research I found that there are no companies that make such product.

Business Analysis (Questions from page 151)

What is the likely demand for this product?

I believe this product would be wanted by any household that has ceiling fans, especially fans that are higher and out of reach. People with allergies would have a better, cleaner, and safer way to rid themselves of dust.

What impact would the new product have on total sales/ profits?

I believe that the Fannie would definitely be welcomed and the innovation is cutting edge as there are no others like it.

Would current customer benefit from the product?

Yes, while people are in cleaning mode they can easily attach the Fannie and quickly clean stubborn fan blades that are typically left un-cleaned because of the amount of time and effort entailed.

Would the product enhance the image of the company’s overall product mix?

Yes

Would the new product affect current employees in any way?

This would be a new company so if the demand for the Fannie was sufficient enough that I could not meet the public demand, I would have to hire employees to help manufacture. If the demand required, I would open a facility in an opportunity zone to defer property taxes and benefit from the incentives offered by the local community.

How might competitors respond?

With the success of the product I believe that there would be competition. Other manufacturers would have to be competitive in order to try and retain their customer base.

What is the risk of failure?

As with any product or company there is always a risk. I would start small with internet and catalog orders only at first, and if interest is sparked base projections accordingly.